Sonoma County, California History
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta
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THE CITY OF SONOMA.
The early history of the city of Sonoma is the history of the county. It is
inseparably connected with the stirring events which led to the occupation of
this State by the Americans. For a long time it was a place of the first
importance. Here General Percifer Smith made his headquarters. Captain,
afterwards General, Lyon, Lieutenant, afterwards General Stoneman, General
Leonard, General Hooker, and the inimitable Lieutenant Derby, were all former
residents of Sonoma. Its society was polished and intellectual, and could the
unwritten records of the old town be brought to light, it would in itself make
up a volume of extraordinary interest.
Though surrounded by an intelligent and wealthy population, the town has not
flourished, as has been elsewhere stated in this sketch. It has, however, good
schools, a bank, several large wine manufactories, four large stores--two of
which are kept respectively by the pioneers, Pauli Brothers and J. Poppe. The
old mission church still stands, and there are besides several other churches.
It has good hotels, an I.O.O.F. and Masonic lodge. General M.G. Vallejo, the
distinguished ex-commandant general of California under the preceding regime,
resides at his elegant home, Lachryma Montis, on the edge of the town. All honor
to the gallant general, who was at the cradling of Sonoma in 1835. All honor to
the pioneers who raised the Bear flag on the plaza of Sonoma, and all honor to
the ever-memorable old town which was the scene of the first in the series of
events which led to the acquisition by the United States of the fairest of the
sisterhood of States, with its rich dower of valley land yielding one hundred
fold, and uplands eager for the tap of the ab- sorbing vine, and mountains rich
in gold as the hills of Ophir.
THE FIRST NEWSPAPER.
The Sonoma Bulletin,--Sonoma county made a clever start in its newspaper
history. The Sonoma Bulletin was established in the town of Sonoma in 1850 by
A.J. Cox. It was a very lively sheet for several years, and would have done
credit to a much later period in the history of the State. Contributions from
the inimitable Derby and other army officers stationed at Sonoma, were not
infrequent in its columns.
The paper was continued at intervals up to 1855, when the editor, in a
characteristic notice in the Petaluma Journal of September 15, 1855, announces
its final demise as follows: "Hon. Q. Smikes wishes to return his thanks to the
editorial fraternity for the kind notices of his debut, and to the public
generally (the rest of mankind included) for their liberal patronage, and to
announce that the Blunderbuss has dried up." Of Mr. Cox's newspaper experience
still more will be said hereafter.
ST. LOUIS OR EMBARCADERO.
This, as its name implies, is the landing-place or embarcadero on Sonoma creek,
at the head of navigation. Here supplies for the town and valley are received.
In former times, when it was thought that Sonoma might become a town of
importance, it was christened St. Louis, but it never reached the importance
anticipated by its sponsors, and is, to-day, only the landing and shipping point
for the town and valley of Sonoma, by a steamer which plies regularly between
the landing and San Francisco.
GLEN ELLEN.
This is a post-office midway between Santa Rosa and the town of Sonoma; Captain
Justi is postmaster. It is only a mail station, but is surrounded by some of the
most experienced vine-growers in the county,--among them Colonel C.V. Stuart,
whose handsome residence is the seat of a liberal hospitality. His vineyard
cannot be surpassed for careful culture and its varieties of foreign and
domestic vines. Here there is also the residence of the Hon. J. B. Warfield, one
of the most successful vineculturalists of Sonoma. There are many other large
vineyard proprietors in this neighborhood, who names we have not the space to
mention. A radius of six miles, with Glen Ellen for a center, would, in the
opinion of many, include the finest grape-growing section in the State of
California.
KELLOGG.
This place is situated in Knight's valley, at the foot of St. Helena mountain.
The Knight's Valley House is kept by E. Ewing, as a place of summer resort. It
is not surpassed for beauty of scenery, salubrity of climate, and solid
comforts, by any place of the kind in this State.
The Steele Brothers are the owners of the Knight's Valley ranch, which includes
about seven thousand acres, upon which the Knight's Valley House stands. Next,
adjoining them, is the fine estate of Calvin Holmes, a portion of the original
Rancho de Mallacomes, which formerly included the whole of Knight's valley. The
fine farm of George Hood, Esq., of Santa Rosa, lies near Kellogg, and was also
formerly a portion of the Knight's Valley tract.
FOSSVILLE.
This is a station between Kellogg and Calistoga, named after, and owned by Clark
Foss, the driver of the stage to the geysers. It is a hostelrie, and is
furnished with every convenience and elegance which the most fastidious could
ask. There is a post-office here, and it is near the line dividing Napa and
Sonoma counties, in what is known, and marked on the map, as Knight's valley.
DONAHUE.
This place is located on Petaluma creek, about eight miles below the town of
Petaluma. It is the present terminus of the San Francisco and North Pacific
Railroad; the cars at this point connect with the swift and elegant steamer
James M. Donahue for San Francisco. From Donahue to San Francisco, across the
bay, the distance is twenty-five miles,--the steamer makes it in an hour and
a-half. The town is called after Colonel James M. Donahue, the enterprising
builder and principal owner of the railroad. Here the machine-shops of the
company are located. The place has no importance other than is derived from the
fact that the transfer of passengers and freight from cars to steamer, or visa
versa, is here made.
Within this year the railroad will be extended to a point on the west side of
the bay, within half an hour's ferriage of San Francisco. In that event it is
more than probably the cars will cross Petaluma creek over a draw-bridge, at or
near the town of Donahue. There is a hotel, post-office, &c, at this place, and
it is surrounded by rich farming and dairy country. The fine farm of J. R.
Rose,--for many years president of the Sonoma and Marin Agricultural Society and
a pioneer breeder of thorough-bred Devonshire cattle is situated a few miles
below Donahue.
LAKEVILLE.
This place is situated on Petaluma creek, a short distance above Donahue. Prior
to the railroad era this was a landing-place, where the passengers for the
valley of Sonoma were transferred to a regular stage-line for that point. The
stage still runs to Lakeville, connecting with the regular morning and evening
trains. From Petaluma creek at Lakeville to Sonoma valley, the distance is about
seven miles over rolling hills. The town of Lakeville has no importance except
such as is given it as a point of transfer for freight and passengers from the
San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad trains for Sonoma. The road from
Lakeville over the mountain, between Petaluma and Sonoma creeks, passes the
former Lake Tolay,--of which Padre Altimira, in his mission-founding expedition
in 1823, said: "We found on said hillock, a little further on, the large lake of
Tolay,--so-called after the chief of the Indians, who in former times settled
there. Its width at some parts is, with little difference, one hundred and fifty
varas,*--at others two hundred varas, and at one point one-fourth of a league,
which is also its length." This lake, from which Lakeville was named, was
drained by its present owner (a utilitarian), and is now a potato patch.
______________________________________________________________________
*A vara is thirty-three inches and one-third of an inch.
CITY OF PETALUMA.
We have heard it asserted that the name Petaluma came from the Indian
vernacular, meaning "duck ponds," and also that it was a compound word,
signifying "little hills." There would have been a local fitness in the last
name, and by a change of one or two letters only in Petaluma, we have words
meaning little hills. The close observer cannot have failed to notice the low
mounds in many parts of the valley, of uniform shape and size. These hillocks
were much more noticeable before the occupation and cultivation of the soil than
they are now, and when the first adventurers found their way into the beautiful
valley the mounds must have formed a peculiar and marked feature in the
landscape--hence the name, valley of the �little hills.� By a change of letters
the words lost their identity, but not the sound of the original. These peculiar
mounds may be seen in their natural shape and position in great numbers on the
Cotate plain, the surface not having been disturbed by cultivation. We do not
assert that they are of artificial origin, or that the name of the valley was
derived from them, but only that it is a plausible theory for the derivation of
the name. The solution of the question we leave to the research of the
philologist or the curiosity of the antiquarian.
The city of Petaluma is situated on Petaluma creek, at the head of navigation.
It is thirty-seven miles northwest of San Francisco, with which it is connected
by sailing vessels, by steamer, and by the San Francisco and North Pacific
Railroad. Trains pass through the town every day, going south, connecting at
Donahue with the steamer for San Francisco. Two trains also pass the city every
day, going north to the terminus of the road, at Cloverdale. The time between
Petaluma and San Francisco is about two hours, which will be reduced to one hour
and a half during this year, by extending the railroad and shortening the trip
across the bay.
Petaluma creek is an estuary or arm of the bay, with water sufficient at high
tide to float vessels of considerable size at the wharf of the city. A mile and
a half above the town the plain rises to the level of high water, and both marsh
and creek terminate. The great Central valley of Sonoma, and the Bodega and
coast country, lies within easy reach of Petaluma, where its produce finds a
home market, or may, at the option of the owner, be shipped by steamer direct,
by sailing vessel or by railroad--thus all danger of a monopoly of
transportation is barred.
The town is built on undulating ground; all the important streets are well
graded, graveled and curbed, having gutters, sewers and open drains. Many of the
business houses are imposing structures, with iron fronts in the latest style of
modern city architecture. There are in and around the town handsome residences,
with spacious and highly-cultivated grounds, but even more attractive are the
many homes of well-to-do mechanics and laboring men, half hidden in flowers,
indicating that the people are thrifty and prosperous through all gradations of
society. The hills upon which the town is partly built afford a view of the
opposite plain and range of mountains, including within its far-reaching scope
the distant crest of St. Helena, and still further beyond the conical and
shapely summit of Geyser peak--to the southward the creek may be traced winding
through the green marsh, sometimes doubling back upon its course, making in a
distance of a eight miles a direct progress of but two. This tortuous
water-course gives a picturesque beauty to the scene in that
direction--especially, as is often the case, if half a dozen sailing craft, with
white wings spread, appear in view-�in the undulating air they seem to float
above the level of the marsh; following their crooked course, they pass each
other, to and fro, or circle around like sea-birds on the wing.
Petaluma is one of the most healthful towns in the State; it lies within the
influence of the daily sea-breeze, and bilious or malarious fevers are unknown.
We have glanced hurridly at the city and its surroundings, and propose now to
give a sketch of its early history and present status, more in detail.
We have mentioned the trip of Padre Altimira, in June, 1823, from San Rafael to
Sonoma, on a mission-founding expedition. He came upon the west side of the
creek, passing over or near the site of the present city of Petaluma, turned the
"point of creeks," as he called it, probably at the two ponds on the westerly
corner of the farm of F. W. Lougee, and crossed the plain opposite the town to
the site of the "old Adobe House." This was the first land expedition of the
California padres to the country north of San Rafael. The mission of Sonoma was
founded in July, 1823, but no settlement was made in Petaluma valley.
After the secularization of the mission property, General Vallejo received a
grant of all the land lying between Sonoma creek on the east, the waters of the
bay on the south, and Petaluma creek on the west. That portion of the city known
as East Petaluma standing on this tract. General Vallejo occupied the Petaluma
ranch from 1836, and built the first house in the valley.
The land on the west side of the creek was claimed under a Mexican grant by Juan
Miranda, who settled there in 1838, and built a small house about two miles from
the present city of Petaluma. This was the first house or settlement on the west
side of the creek. Over these rich plains, through wild oats that might be tied
over the back of a horse, roamed herds of fat, sleek Spanish cattle and manadas
of Mustang mares�-their right disputed only by bands of elk and antelope, which
equaled, if they did not surpass them, in numbers.
The first settler, other than those mentioned or their retainers, was Dr. A. F.
Heyerman, who, early in 1850, had a log-cabin on what was afterwards called the
Rogers place, near Petaluma. Dr. Heyerman, under some pretext or other, set up a
claim to the tract of land which he then occupied.
In October, 1850, John Lockwood came up the creek with one or two others in a
whale-boat, attracted by reports of the abundance of game. They camped under the
oaks on the bank of the creek just above the town, on what is now known as the
Bell place. Lockwood and party hunted for the San Francisco market, making
regular trips to the city in the Spark, an they called their whale-boat. The
next to come were Linus and Wiatt; Lockwood and Wiatt are still residents of
Petaluma. Baylis and Flogdell, well known pioneers, came a week after Linus and
Wiatt, and all camped near the same place, and hunted or purchased game, which
they took to the San Francisco market. They gave Petaluma its first start as a
shipping point. A good sized deer or antelope brought twenty dollars, the
hind-quarter of a fat elk forty dollars, quail nine dollars a dozen, and ducks
from ten to twelve dollars a dozen. Major Singley, the present agent of the San
Francisco and North Pacific Railroad at Petaluma, was the next arrival. Two
small trading posts were started near Lockwood camp; one by Baylis & Flogdell,
the other by Linus & Wiatt.
The first house in the city limits proper was a warehouse built by James
McReynolds, of Analy township, and his partner James Hudspeth, for storing
potatoes. It stood on the bank of the creek, just below the bridge, at the foot
of Washington street. The warehouse was filled that fall with potatoes, and Mr.
Hudspeth cut and baled on the flat above town, one hundred tons of hay, which he
shipped to Sacramento. These were the first large shipments of produce from
Sonoma county to San Francisco via Petaluma. Soon after this, a man named Keller
took up a claim which included the town site, and built a house on the creek,
above the bridge, where the stone warehouse now stands.
On the 3d day January, 1852, the town was first surveyed by J. A. Brewster for
Mr. Keller. The survey commenced at a point on Petaluma creek, between Prospect
and Oak streets, running thence west to the westerly line of Liberty street,
near Kent, then southerly along Liberty street to A, then on the north- erly
line of A and a continuaton of that line northeasterly to Petaluma creek,
including about forty acres. Tom Lockwood and Major Singley carried the chain
for this survey. The first merchants of Petaluma were Kent & Smith; they opened
a first-rate country store, in 1852. It stood on the east side of Main street,
opposite the American Hotel lot, where Ross' photograph gallery now stands. The
late F. H. Coe bought in the business, and the firm changed to Kent, Smith &
Coe. The first families who came to the town were old man Douglas and the
Hathaways. The first hotel was started by Robert Douglas and a man named Adams.
It was a board shanty, and stood on the lot now occupied by the American hotel.
The first school was kept by A. B. Bowers, and the school-house stood on the
site of the present brick one. A. A. Guerny was probably the first Protestant
preacher in this valley. He seems to have officiated at most of the weddings of
that day, to have preached, lectured or delivered a Fourth of July oration, as
the time served--a sort of clerical Bohemian, if we may use the expression
without disrespect to the cloth. We know not where Rev. Mr. Guerny now is, but
we wish him well wherever he may be, for he has left his foot-print on the
pioneer history of Sonoma county.
The first postmaster in Petaluma county, was a W. D. Kent. He was succeeded by
Dr. Brown, and Dr. Brown by S. N. Terrell. The mail was carried once a week, on
horse-back, from Benicia via Sonoma, Santa Rosa, Miller & Walker's store, near
Sebastapol, to Petaluma, and from there to San Rafael, --a round-about way of
receiving late news from a city but thirty-five miles distant.
The first justice of the peace was M. G. Lewis. J. Chandler, Judge Jackson
Temple and Judge J. B. Southard were the first lawyers in the town. The pioneers
Zartman & Fritch started business in January, 1852, with James F. Reed, as
blacksmith. They were told they would not make enough to get nails for shoes,
but from the start they did a good business.
The first general excitement in the infant city was caused by an enterprise
which had for its object the starting of a rival town at a point on the east
side of the creek, a mile and a-half below in an air line, but a much greater
distance by water, owing to the many crooks and bends in the creek. Major H. P.
Hentzleman and Major Lewis got up this scheme. They purchased a tract on the
east side of the creek of General Vallejo, where there was a good landing, and
laid off a town which they called Petaluma City. It was known in vulgar
vernacular as "New Town." Lewis went to San Francisco and sold out his interest
to Colonel J. B. Huie, on condition that a steamer of certain size could get up
to the proposed site of the New Town. The steamer Red Jacket, afterwards Kate
Hayes, came up in November, 1852, under command of Captain Van Pelt. The same
boat made trips at intervals that fall, and it was given out that the New Town
was the head of steamboat navigation. The Petaluma boys were not scared at
trifles; they went down to New Town one night when the boat lay there, and using
all their powers of persuasion, induced the captain to steam up and see if he
could not get up to the original town. The venture was a success; this stroke of
policy killed New Town; it languished for a year or more but finally gave up the
ghost, and, as the cars speed by, it is hard for the old resident to locate the
site of the once rival of the city of Petaluma.
The first regular steamer was the Sioc, put on by Colonel J. B. Huie to run to
New Town. Ex-Sheriff Latapie was captain, and once part-owner of this boat. The
name was changed to the Reindeer. The E. Corning was the first boat that ran
regularly to Petaluma. Fare was six dollars to San Francisco, and the trip
occupied nearly all day--quite a contrast to the present time, when the trip to
Petaluma is made in two hours, and that will soon be reduced to one hour and
a-half. The late Capt. Charles M. Baxter took command of the Corning in 1856,
and, for many years after, ran the elegant steamer Petaluma, built by Charles
Minturn, expressly for this route.
From the beginning of 1853 up to 1855 the town of Petaluma grew rapidly; the
great valleys north and south of it settled up with an industrious population,
and every acre of land brought under cultivation was a benefit to the town,
which had now become the general shipping point for the produce of all Sonoma
and Mendocino counties as far north as the country was occupied. With so rich a
district to support it, Petaluma soon took rank as one of the most flourishing
agricultural towns in the State. Its capital increased as rapidly as its
commerce extended. It was, at a very early day, and still continues to be, the
largest shipping point for dairy products of all the towns in California.
The first newspaper, the Petaluma Journal, was issued on the 18th of August,
1855. The names of several merchants still residing in the town appeared in its
advertising columns.
In 1855 and 1856 the growth of the city was very rapid; in the former year the
vote was 481, and in the latter it had increased to 801.
In July, 1857, an accurate census was taken by John S. Van Doren, and we are
enabled to give the population of the town then, included within an area of a
mile square, commencing at the junction of Keller and D streets. White males
802; white females, 502; colored males, 23; colored females, 8; Chinamen, 3.
Total, 1,338.
The town of Petaluma was incorporated at the session of the legislature of
1857-8, and the first municipal election was held on the 19th of April, 1858.
The taxable property of the city for the years named was as follows:
1858..............................$496,285
1867...............................925,215
1877...............................965,451
The municipal tax this year is eighty cents on each one hundred dollars
valuation of property. The money raised by the city tax has been in the main
well and judiciously expended. The excellent condition of the streets and the
perfect sewerage may be cited in proof of this assertion. More than this, the
city and township have expended $60,000 in improving the roads and highways
leading to the surrounding country. No more judicious investment could have been
made. The approaches to the town from every direction are in perfect order
winter and summer, and along these main arteries trade flows into the city and
through all its business channels. The result of this healthy circulation is
visible in the growth and improvement of the city. Another attractive feature of
the place is the highly improved small farms by which it is surrounded. There
are a number of these places on the low foot-hills just west of the plain, which
may be seen from the cars. The well-tilled orchards and vineyards, comfortable
barns and neat homesteads afford the best possible evidence that not only the
city, but the country that surrounds it, is prosperous. Much of the hill-land in
the neighborhood of Petaluma, once considered valuable only for the wood which
grew upon it, has proven, now that the wood is cut, extremely fertile, and
commands the highest price when put upon the market. There are also many very
handsomely improved farms on the plain opposite the town, extending back from
the creek to the foot-hills on the east, and, in fact, to the top of the range,
which is rather an elevated plateau than a ridge, as it appears in the distance.
LAND TITLES.
The settlement of the town of Petaluma led to protracted complication and costly
litigation in the matter of land titles. There are some curious features in this
legal controversy, and we give herewith a condensed statement of the conflicting
claims and the final issue of all the suits.
That portion of Petaluma township bounded by the Petaluma creek, the San Antonio
creek, the Rancho Laguna de San Antonio, and the Rancho Roblar de la Miseria,
was formerly known as the Rancho Arroyo de San Antonio.
Juan Miranda first settled there about the year 1838, with his family, horses,
and cattle, and built a small house, about two miles distant from the present
city of Petaluma.
In 1844 he applied for a grant of this land. Jacob P. Leese, then alcalde of
the district of Sonoma, certified that he was the only occupant, and an order
was made October 8, 1844, by Governor Micheltorena, that the usual title be
issued to him. A formal grant of the land to Miranda was drawn up pursuant to
this order, and was subsequently found in the archives, but was never executed
by the governor in consequence of the political disturbances which ended in
Micheltorena�s overthrow.
Miranda was the father of many children, and one of his daughters, Francisca,
married a Mexican named Antonio Ortega, who had no settled habitation, but lived
sometimes with his wife�s family, at this rancho, sometimes with the priests at
the different missions, and for several years in Oregon. On the ground of his
occasional visits to his father-in-law he set up a claim to being the real
occupant of the rancho, and succeeded in obtaining from Governor Alvarado a
decree for the land, purporting to have been made August 10, 1840. Thus there
were two conflicting claims to the same tract of land. After the death of
Miranda, at San Rafael, in 1850, his title was sold by order of the probate
court of Marin county, and was purchased by T. B. Valentine of San Francisco.
Whether the proceedings at this sale were regular, so as to vest in the
purchaser a perfect title, is at least doubtful. The title of Ortega was
conveyed to Charles White of San Jose.
After the establishment of the land commission, both of these claims were
presented to that tribunal for adjudication. Valentine put in some testimony
which was thought to be rather damaging to the success of the Ortega claim,
whereupon an agreement was made between the holders of these rival titles,
providing that the testimony should be suppressed, the Miranda claim with-
drawn, the Ortega claim pressed for confirmation and the proceeds of the sales
of the lands covered by it divided between the contracting parties.
The Miranda title was thus summarily disposed of by the act of its holder. To
clear away the Ortega title by the slow machinery of the law, took several
years. It was confirmed by the land commission, was twice before the United
States District Court,--first confirmed, and afterwards rejected; and twice
before the United States Supreme Court, where it was finally rejected in 1863.
The land embraced within the limits of the rancho thus became public domain of
the United States, and the government surveys were extended over it. That
portion within the boundaries of the incorporated city of Petaluma was ceded to
that city by Act of Congress of March 1, 1867, and the occupants of all the
remainder obtained patents under the pre-emption law.
Valentine besieged the doors of Congress for many years to get an act passed
allowing him to present his title to the courts for confirmation. Such a measure
would have been a great injustice to the occupants of the land, for although the
original title was undoubtedly genuine, and would have been confirmed, he
prevented a confirmation by his voluntary withdrawal of it. He was finally
satisfied by receiving from the government an issue of very valuable land-scrip
for the same number of acres embraced within his grant.
EAST PETALUMA
That part of the city of Petaluma which lies on the east side of the creek was
held under the Vallejo title to the Petaluma grant. The cloud on the west side
did not affect it. The tract was originally purchased from General Vallejo by
Tom Hopper. On the 27th day of August, 1857, Hopper conveyed to W. D. Bliss,
John Kalkman, and Stephen C. Haydon, each, one-fourth interest in his tract of
two hundred and seventy acres. Up to this time there was no connection between
the east and west side of the creek except over a rickety bridge, which crossed
above the city. The new owners of the Hopper tract at once built a draw-bridge
across the creek, at the foot of Washington street, and surveyed and sub-divided
the land into town and villa-lots. Building commenced on that side, and it is
now an important part of the city. The depot of the San Francisco and North
Pacific Railroad is in East Petaluma, and it grows quite as fast as other
portions of the city. The land has been raised by the overflow of the creeks
which cross the Petaluma valley. These streams formerly spread out over the
plain beyond the town, but were gradually confined to a narrow channel, through
which this rich tribute from the hills was brought across the plain and spread
over the lands of East Petaluma, thereby greatly enhancing their value. East
Petaluma was included within the limits of the city as already incorporated by
an act of the legislature of 1858. The streets are well graded and graveled, and
at least two principle highways lead into the city from that direction.
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Petaluma has always nurtured its system of public schools. Its corps of teachers
have been the best that could be procured, and its school-buildings are a credit
as well as an ornament to the place. The high school was first opened in July,
1873, Professor C. E. Hutton in charge. Dr. F. H. Rose succeeded him. Dr. Rose
resigned in 1874, and J. W. McClymonds, the present incumbent, was elected. Miss
Anna Holbrook is his assistant. The number of pupils in this department is about
sixty. The high-school building is situated on D street; it was built as a
private academy for Professor Lippitt, who used it for that purpose until it was
purchased by the board of education for a high school. The style of architecture
is gothic; it is two stories in height, contains four study-rooms, a
library-room, an ante-room, and halls. The grounds are ornamented with
evergreens, flowers, and grass plots.
M. E. C. Munday is principal of the grammar and primary departments. Mrs. J. E.
Woodworth had charge of the second grade; Miss Eliza Robinson has charge of the
third grade; Miss Marilla Camm had charge of the fourth grade; Miss Rosa Haskins
of the fifth grade; Miss Emma S. Elder of the sixth grade; Miss Sallie E. Hall
of the seventh grade; Miss Hattie Fuller of the eighth grade. Miss I. E.
Anderson has charge of the class taught in the high-school building, belonging
to the fifth grade of the primary department. On the hill, in the northeast part
of the city, there is a school of the sixth, seventh and eighth grades of the
primary department in charge of Miss Clara Eddy. In East Petaluma there is a
school for the same grades, in charge of Miss Helen A. Singley. Miss Annie Camm
has charge of the school on D street, for colored children. The total number of
teachers in grammar and primary department, thirteen. The grammar school is a
large two-story brick building, located on the corner of B and Fifth streets. It
was built in 1859, and since then has undergone several changes in its interior
arrangements, to accomodate the increasing number of pupils. The building
contains eight rooms, of which four are on the upper, and four on the ground
floor. It has a seating capacity for about four hundred pupils. The grounds are
enclosed by a high board fence, inside of which is a row of silver-leaf maple
tree, which add much to the appearance of the building and its surroundings. The
salaries of the teachers vary from sixty to one hundred and fifty dollars per
month.
The value of school property is as follows:
High school-building..................... $15,000
Grammar school-building and lot........... 30,000
Outside school-houses and lots, about...... 8,000
_______
Total value.............................. $53,000
The number of pupils is from six hundred and eighty to seven hundred and twenty,
and the cost of maintaining the schools is thirteen thousand dollars per annum.
The school department has been governed by a board of education since 1870,
composed of five members. The present board is Messrs. James Singley, G. W.
Edelman, W. H. Dalton, N. M. Hedges and F. T. Maynard.
The people of Petaluma respond always to the needs of the public schools, and no
complaining is heard in regard to any tax to support them.
CHURCHES.
Of the religious denominations in Petaluma, the Methodist is the oldest, and had
the first church-building; the Rev. S. B. Clifford is the minister in charge.
The Baptist Church is in charge of Rev. A. Hitchcock. Rev. Geo. A. Allen is
rector of St. John�s Episcopal Church. The Rev. Father Cleary of St. Vincent�s
Church. Rev. C. J. Hutchins has the Congregational Church, and the Rev. T. B.
Page the Methodist Church South. Some of these congregations have handsome
church-buildings, which are well filled every Sunday. For each church there is a
Sunday-school, which is patronized by bright-faced boys and girls, and here we
will say that there is no sweeter melody than that of the mingled voices of many
children singing praises to Him who, in the words of the Psalmist, �covereth the
heavens with a cloud, and prepareth rain for the earth; and maketh the grass to
grow upon the mountains, and herbs for the use of man; who giveth fodder to the
cattle, and feedeth the young ravens when they call on him.�
SOCIETIES.
The benevolent societies are well represented in Petaluma. There are two Masonic
lodges, one of which (Petaluma Lodge, No. 57) was chartered May 3, 1854. There
is also a chapter of Royal Arch Masons, organized in 1858, known as Petaluma
Chapter, No. 22. Petaluma Lodge, I. O.O.F., No. 30, was instituted September 30,
1854. There is also an encampment, of which we have not the date of
organization. The Turn Verein have a very prosperous organization. There is also
a Hibernian Society, and a Society of Caledonians, and several temperance
organizations. The Mutual Relief Association of Petaluma have been very
successful and well managed. The oldest is the �Mutual Relief Association;� has
a membership of 1,096. It is a life-insurance society simplified: upon the death
of any member an assessment of three dollars is levied on each member of the
association, and the aggregate sum is paid to the heirs of the deceased member.
It has distributed many thousands of dollars in claims upon it, and is well
managed. Its business as extended through Marin, Sonoma and Mendocino counties.
L. F. Carpenter is president, and G. R. Codding is secretary. The Sonoma and
Marin Benevolent Association is of like character and organization. Dr. G. L.
Shephard is pres- ident, and H. M. Faulkner, secretary.
NEWSPAPERS.
The Petaluma Weekly Journal was issued on the 18th day of August 1855, by Thomas
L. Thompson. At this time Sonoma county embraced the whole of Mendocino, but the
population was sparse, and the mail facilities were imperfect and irregular. The
Journal, however, was a wide-a-wake paper, and even in the early day was
instrumental in bringing this portion of the State prominently into notice. Mr.
Thompson disposed of his interest in the Journal in March 1856, to H. L. Weston.
Mr. Weston made it a valuable local journal, ever alive to the interests if
Petaluma and Sonoma county. We are indebted to files of the Journal, from 1855
to 1860, for much that is valuable, culled from its columns.
In November, 1862, Mr. Weston disposed of a part interest in the Journal to T.
W. Abraham. That firm continued the publication until February, 1864, when they
sold the paper to McNabb & Co., and it was merged into the Argus, and took the
name of the Journal and Argus. Mr. Weston was interested in a Nevada paper from
March to August, 1864; in the last named month he returned to Petaluma, and
shortly after repurchased an interest in the Journal and Argus, which he still
retains. The name of the paper was changed to Petaluma Weekly Argus.
In November, 1859, J. J. Pennebacker issued the first number of the Petaluma
Argus. In December 1860, he disposed of his interest in the paper to A.
Drouilliard. In July, 1861, J. H. McNabb & Co. brought out the interest of A.
Drouilliard, and in August 1864, the Journal and Argus were consolidated as
above stated. The paper is now published by H. L. Weston, N. W. Scudder and
James H. McNabb, under the firm-name of Weston, Scudder & Co. It is an elegantly
printed quarto, made up in best style of newspaper typographical art. Its
managers are thoroughly up in the mechanical, editorial and local departments of
the paper. The Argus has always been a staunch advocate of the principles of the
Republican party. Though decided, it is fair in its treatment of political
subjects, and commands the respect of those who hold opposing views. Mr. D. S.
Lane, of the editorial staff, is a careful and accurate writer, a close
observer, and a natural statistician. He rarely trips in his facts, figures,
logic or language.
To Messrs. Woods, McGuire & Edwards is due the credit of starting the first
daily newspaper in Sonoma county. The Petaluma Daily Crescent was commenced in
the summer of 1870; Mr. C. B. Woods was editor; it was published most of the
time by A. McGuire, in the spring of 1872 the Crescent passed into the hands of
H. M. Woods, who discontinued in the fall of that year. The Crescent was
Democratic in politics, and, in addition to its daily, issued a weekly edition.
In July, 1872, the Petaluma Argus commenced the publication of a daily journal,
which continued for one year and suspended publication. It was a well made-up
daily paper, and its suspension was a surprise to its patrons.
The Petaluma Courier was started in the fall of 1876 by W. F. Shattuck. It is
Democratic in politics; the proprietor is a practical printer, who grew from
boyhood and learned his trade in Sonoma county. He makes an excellent paper, in
all its departments. The editor of the paper, E. S. Lippitt, is a leading lawyer
of Sonoma county, in large practice. He is a man of fine education, and is a
pointed and forcible writer. Mr. Lippitt has a thorough knowledge of the
politics of the country. He is an old resident of the county, and knows its
local needs. Under its present management the Courier cannot fail to become an
influential as it is an able journal.
BANKS.
To I. G. Wickersham is due the credit of establishing the first bank in the
county of Sonoma. Mr. Wickersham came to Petaluma in 1853. In 1855 he was
elected district attorney, and served in that position to the satisfaction of
his constituents. He foresaw that the growing city, Petaluma, needed and would
support a commercial bank, and in February, 1865, put this idea into practical
operation,--opening, on the corner of Main and Washington streets, the
banking-house of I. G. Wickersham & Co. The result of this experiment proved
that Mr. Wickersham was correct in his judgement,--the business increased every
year, and in October, 1874, it was changed to the First National Bank of
Petaluma, with a full paid-up capital of two hundred thousand dollars. The
business of the new bank was commenced January 1, 1875,--I. G. Wickersham,
president; H. H. Atwater, cashier. The trustees are the president and cashier
above named, Jesse C. Wickersham, P. B. Hewlitt and H. L. Davis. The bank owns
the building in which the business is carried on; it is conveniently located on
the leading business street of the city. It is elegantly furnished, and well
arranged for the prompt dispatch of business.
THE BANK OF SONOMA COUNTY was organized in July, 1866. William Hill was the
first president, and has held that position to this date. E. Sprague was the
first cashier; he was succeeded by John S. Van Doren, who has served as cashier
continuously since. The bank was organized with a capital stock of one hundred
thousand dollars, which was increased in January, 1877, to three thousand
dollars. The bank building is on the northwest corner of Main and Washington
streets. It was built in 1873 at a cost of almost twenty-two thousand dollars.
The directors are E. Newburg, E. Denman, James Fowler, Warren Dutton and William
Hill.
PETALUMA SAVINGS BANK.--The capital stock of this bank is one hundred thousand
dollars; it was organized in 1872. The first president was J. M. Bowles; he was
succeeded by H. T. Fairbanks in 1873. Mr. Fairbanks has held the position
continuously up to this time. The first cashier was O. V. Walker; the present is
William B. Haskell. The directors are J. M. Bowles, B. Haskell, H. T. Fairbanks,
F. T. Maynard, B. F. Tuttle, S. D. Towne, J. H. Crane, A. P. Whitney and John
Moffet. The bank building is on Main street, opposite the American Hotel. It
cost, with vaults and furniture complete, about ten thousand dollars.
LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
There is an excellent public library in Petaluma, containing about four thousand
volumes, well selected, with all leading foreign and home magazines, pictorials
and newspapers. It was organized under the auspices of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, of Petaluma. It is supported by the dues of members. The rooms of
the association are well managed and furnished, and are conveniently located on
the corner of English and Main streets. The first officers were: President, T.
F.Baylis; Vice-President, Lee Ellsworth; Recording Secretary, H. H. Atwater, and
Treasurer, William Zartman.
THE PETALUMA FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The Petaluma Fire Department has always been well organized and efficient. Its
members have proven their prowess in many hard-fought battles. Thousands of
dollars have been saved on more than one occasion by their good judgment,
promptness, and courage. The citizens recognize the obligation due to them, and
have always encouraged and aided the firemen.
The companies are all handsomely uniformed and equipped for a showy turnout or
for service when the bell taps and the time for action has arrived. All honor to
the brave fireman who is ever ready to risk his life for the welfare of others,
with no hope of reward, other than the consciousness of having done his duty to
his neighbor, thus filling one of the two greatest commandments.
PETALUMA ENGINE COMPANY NO. 1
was organized June 10, 1857. William Van Houten was the first foreman, Van
Houten resigned and was succeeded by Edward Buckley; in 1858 George Walker was
elected; in 1859 and 1860 Charles A. Plummer; in 1861 George Walker; in 1862
William W. Main; in 1863 Frank Bray; in 1864 B. Palmer; in 1865 Charles Tann; in
1866 John E. Gwinn; in 1867 A. A. Prescott; in 1868 Frank Bray; in 1869 H. Pimm;
in 1870 H. B. Hasbrouck; in 1871 George Walker; in 1872 H. Pimm; in 1873 John E.
Gwinn; in 1874 H. Pimm; in 1875 H. Pimm; in 1876 W. H. Zartman.
HOOK AND LADDER NO. 1
was organized November 27, 1857. James N. McCune was the first foreman, and
served in 1857, 1858 and 1859; in 1860 and 1861 T. F. Baylis; in 1862 J. D.
Cross; in 1863, 1864 and 1865 J. T. Huie; in 1866 J. S. Cutler, in 1867 J. A.
Wiswell; in 1868, 1869 and 1870 William Zartman; in 1871 and 1872 G. W. Edelman;
in 1873, 1874 and 1875 H. Schierhold; in 1876 M. M. Keating.
SONOMA ENGINE COMPANY NO. 2
was organized January 1, 1864; Fred. Frazier was the first foreman; in 1865 and
1866 D. W. Sroufe; in 1867 and 1868 J. J. Ellis; in 1869 and 1870 N. E. Manning;
in 1871 James Tann; in 1872 G. E. Millett; in 1873 J. E. Elmore; in 1874 S. E.
Cooper; in 1875 William M. Brown.
YOUNG AMERICA ENGINE COMPANY
was organized April 3, 1867, William M. Brown was the first foreman; in 1869
Julius Blume; in 1870 G. B. Palmer; in 1871 James Latimer; in 1872 Thomas
Edwards; in 1873 Julius Blume; in 1874 B. Harter; in 1875 Frank Spalding; in
1876 A. Cerigheu.
MANUFACTURES OF PETALUMA.
Petaluma is favorably situated for the successful prosecution of many branches
of manufacturing. There is a constantly increasing local demand for
manufactures. The town has already made a creditable start in this line, and its
mechanics have an enviable reputation at home and abroad for skill and fair
dealing.
CARRIAGE FACTORIES.--The most important industry in Petaluma is the manufacture
of wagons and carriages. The first establishment in the place was started in
1852 by its present proprietor, William Zartman. The factory is complete in all
its departments. This machinery is propelled by steam.
The next oldest factory is that of J. Loranger, established in 1864; then
follow, in the order named, B. Harter, Weir & Spottswood, Hopes & Cameron, R.
Spottswood & Co., D. W. C. Putnam & Co., D. Jay, and Rutherford & Roberts.
Petaluma wagons and carriages are sent to various portions of the State,
especially to the southern counties; and several vehicles have been sent to
Nevada. At each of the above named establishments, plows, harrows, cultivators
and other agricultural implements are made. The business may be summarized as
follows: Number of men employed, including carriage painters, fifty-four; number
of carriages and wagons made annually, two hundred and forty-five,--value of
same, fifty three thousand nine hundred dollars; value of agricultural
implements manufactured, seven thousand dollars; other work, fifteen thousand
dollars; total value, of all, seventy-nine thousand five hundred dollars.
HARNESS AND SADDLERY.--Next in importance to the above is the manufacture of
harness and saddlery. Gwinn & Brainard commenced business in 1867, and employ
eight men; W. Davis employs four men, and C. Burgtorf, four men. Number of sets
of harness made annually, five hundred; value, sixteen thousand dollars.
Saddles, five hundred; ten thousand dollars. Carriage trimming to the amount of
four thousand dollars is done at the several establishments. Total, thirty
thousand dollars. Petaluma harness and saddles have a wide reputation, and
shipments of goods have been made to all parts of the State; also to Nevada,
Utah, and Peru, South America.
BOOTS AND SHOES.--There are nine places as which boots and shoes are made. The
most extensive manufacturer is M. Walsh, who makes nine hundred pairs per year.
Total number pairs made annually, two thousand; value, fifteen thousand dollars.
A considerable portion of the leather used is Petaluma manufacture.
FOUNDRY.--C. P. Hatch, proprietor. Established in 1859, and first in Sonoma or
adjoining counties. Annual value of manufactures, ten thousand dollars.
CLOTHING.--Nine men are employed in making clothing for men and boys. Clothing
made annually is valued at fifteen thousand dollars.
FURNITURE AND CABINET WORK manufactured annually equals in value six thousand
dollars. In the same department churns, fruit-dryers and butter-tubs, etc., are
made to the value of six thousand dollars.
TANNERY.--Jacob Wick is proprietor of the business. Three hundred cords of
tan-bark, all of Sonoma growth, are used every year; eight thousand hides are
tanned annuallly; sole, harness and shoe leather of all kinds is made; value of
manufacture, fifty-six thousand dollars.
POTTERY.--Petaluma pottery was established in 1866; all kinds of stone-ware
manufactured; twenty thousand gallons of stone-ware made in the past year.
FLOURING MILLS.--Central Mills, McCune Bros., proprietors, was established in
1864; it has four runs of stone; capacity, seventy-five barrels in twelve hours;
nineteen thousand seven hundred and twenty-five barrels of flour made annually;
seven men are employed. The flour is sold in Sonoma and Marin counties, and in
San Francisco. Oriental Mills, established in 1863; George P. McNear,
proprietor; it has two runs of stone; thirty barrels made daily, and seven
thousand eight hundred and ninety annually; five men employed. Both mills do a
general milling and jobbing business; value of flour, etc. made, one hundred and
sixty-five thousand six hundred and ninety dollars. Two-thirds or more of the
annual product is sold in Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties, and balance is
shipped to San Francisco. Petaluma flour enjoys a good reputation.
PLANING-MILLS.--Petaluma planing-mill was established in 1867, and was the first
in the county, also most extensive and complete in Sonoma or adjoining counties;
Nay & Broocke, proprietors; work sent to various parts of Sonoma and Marin
counties; six men are employed, manufacturing doors, blinds, sash, mouldings,
brackets, boxes, tanks and all kinds of mill-work. The Centennial planing-mill
was established in September, 1876, Sloper & Fuller, proprietors; three men are
employed; articles manufactured same as above, steam-power. The material used
comes mostly from Sonoma county; value of manufactures, twenty thousand dollars.
TIN SHOPS.--There are four tin-shops in Petaluma, the first of which was
established in 1867. The proprietors are Thomas Schlosser, J. J. Buckins, Harris
Bros. and A. W. Barnes. All kinds of tin, sheet-iron and copper ware are
manufactured. Dairy-work constitutes a considerable portion of the business.
About one thousand sacks of charcoal, which is manufactured in the county, is
used annually. The other material is purchased in San Francisco or imported from
the east; value of manufactures, twenty thousand dollars.
COOPERAGE was established in 1868, Isaac Fuller, proprietor. Fifteen thousand
kegs and firkins, two hundred barrels and twenty tanks are made; material mostly
imported from the east, and some procured in Lake County; value of manufactures,
three thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.
BRICK-YARD, established by Jordan Peter in 1867, and now owned by him. The
material abundant and of first-class quality; capacity of kilns 1,200,000
bricks; number made annually 3,500,000; value $4,200.
GLOVE FACTORY--M. Berger, proprietor. It was established in 1870; 500 dozen
buck-skin gloves made; 12 persons employed, mostly females; value of
manufacture, $9,000.
BREWERIES.--Petaluma Brewery, established in 1855 by Christlich & Erbe, was the
first in Sonoma county; Baltz & Schierhold are the present proprietors. Sonoma
Brewery, established in 1872, Mechele & Griess, proprietors; they ship fifty
tons annually to San Francisco. The capacity of the two breweries is 5,000
gallons per week, and the quantity made about 81,000 gallons per annum. They use
200 cords of wood, 850 tons of barley, 12-3/4 tons hops, mostly California
grown. Their beer is sold in Sonoma and Marin counties; value of same, $20,000.
GAS WORKS.--Established in 1863, Peter Donohue, proprietor; 400 tons of English
and Australian coal used annually; 2,800,000 feet of gas made; value of same,
$15,800.
SADDLE-TREE FACTORY, M. Haar, proprietor, was established by him in 1861, and
probably is the most extensive in the State outside of San Francisco; all
materials, except a small quantity of Oregon pine; procured in Sonoma county;
trees sent to all parts of California, also to Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and
Texas; number of trees made 2,500; value of same, $10,000.
MARBLE WORKS, Thompson & Meek, proprietors, established March 1875, Italian and
Vermont marble used; work sent to various parts of Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino
counties, and to other parts of the State; four men employed; value of
manufacture, $10,000.
SOAP WORKS.--Established July, 1875, G. W. Manville, proprietor; 3,000 boxes of
18 pounds each made annually; value of same, $4,500.
SODA WORKS--B. F. Connolly, proprietor, established in 1860; makes 12,000 dozen
bottles of soda and sarsaparilla, and 700 dozen champaigne cider, which are
distributed in Sonoma and Marin counties; amount of sales $10,000.
CIGAR FACTORY.--A. Horstman, proprietor, established in 1871, 50,000 cigars made
annually; value $3,000.
BAKERIES.--Three; W. B. Matzenbach, J. T. Rugg, and George Stroebel,
proprietors; amount of flour consumed 840 barrels; value of bread, cakes, etc.,
made $12,768.
SUMMARY.--Number of persons employed in manufacturing 201; value of manufactures
$535,150.
STREETS, PARKS AND SEWERS.
STREETS.-�The principal business streets of Petaluma are Main, Washington,
English, Kentucky and B streets. Most of the streets and sidewalks are paved,
and the main roads leading out of the town have been graded and macadamized at a
heavy outlay of money, raised by special tax, which fell mostly on the people of
the city. There are two plazas or public squares, each of which covers a block
three hundred by three hundred feet in size. Both are well improved.
PARKS.-�Agriculture Park, in the western part of the town, covers about twenty
acres, and contains the race track and pavilion of the Sonoma and Marin District
Agricultural Society.
CITY GARDENS.�-A plot of ground has been laid off in the northern part of this
city for a public garden. The plot, containing eight acres, has been properly
prepared and laid out with a view to its future beauty and comfort as a pleasure
garden. Over twelve hundred shade and ornamental trees of different varieties
have been planted.
SEWERAGE.-�The system of sewerage is almost perfect. Mains run the entire length
of Washington, English, C and F streets, and empty into Petaluma creek. Thus all
matter deposited in the creek, twice in every twenty-four hours is carried by
the tide into San Pablo bay. The small sewers connect with the mains from nearly
every street and alley in the city.
WATER COMPANY.
Dr. J. Walker, of I. X. L. Bitters notoriety, introduced the first water brought
in pipes to the city of Petaluma. He sold his interest to John Cavanagh and
George L. Bradley, and they subsequently sold to S. D. Towne and Major James
Armstrong. The water was take from a large spring back of the town.
On the 2d of April, 1868, Towne & Armstrong, in connection with the Hon. B. B.
Munday, organized the Petaluma Water Company, and on the 16th of the same month
it was incorporated. This company, after prolonged and serious difficulty, sold
out to the Sonoma Water Company, which was incorporated in 1871. The Sonoma
Water Company now owns the works, and supply the town with water. There is an
ample supply for domestic purposes. There are hydrants all at convenient fronts,
which, with the supply of hose kept on hand, affords a great degree of safety in
case of fire. The water is brought from Sonoma mountain.
CEMETERY.
The first cemetery in Petaluma was called Oak Hill Cemetery, and was the
property of the city, and contained about eight acres. It is still used.
The Cypress Hill Cemetery was laid off in 1872 by John A. McNear. It contains
about forty acres, and is situated a quarter of a mile from the Petaluma and
Santa Rosa road, and about a mile from the business part of the city. It is a
beautiful location for a cemetery. The drives and walks are macadamized and
ornamental trees have been planted over most of the grounds. It is on a hill
overlooking all the surrounding country.
BUSINESS CLASSIFIED.
In addition to the industries elsewhere described there are three nurseries
where fruit and ornamented trees and rare plants of all kinds can be obtained.
There are seven hotels in the town; six livery stables; four stove and hardware
stores; eight dry-goods stores; fourteen grocery and provision stores; three
drug stores; three furniture stores; two crockery, glassware and stationery
stores; two variety stores; three boot and shoe stores; five fruit and vegetable
stores, four cigar stores; five butcher shops; two bakeries, four laundries; one
stock-yard; seven lawyers, and nine doctors. All the business houses of the town
are of a good class, and traffic is well systematized.
SONOMA AND MARIN DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
The Sonoma and Marin Agricultural and Mechanical Society was organized and held
its first fair in Healdsburg, in September, 1859. The second fair was held in
Petaluma, in 1860; the third in Santa Rosa, September 24, 1861; the fourth in
Sonoma, October 7, 1862. The name was changed to the San Pablo District
Agricultural Society, and the fifth fair was held at Sonoma, September 15, 1863.
The sixth fair was held at Napa, October 11, 1864. After that the society seems
to have entirely collapsed.
On the 6th of June, 1867, the Sonoma and Marin District Agricultural Society was
organized, and was from the start a success. The society is out of debt. It has
expended $35,000 in the purchase of land, erection of buildings, fences and
repairs thereon. The large sum of $45,017 has been paid as premium purses on
speed, programmes, running expenses of the fair, interest on loans, etc. The
stock accommodations and grounds have been greatly improved during the past
year, and the society may be said to be upon a solid financial basis. This
success is largely due to the earnest efforts of some of the leading citizens of
Petaluma and the enterprising farmers residing in the valley, among whom we may
mention J. R. Rose, the first president; Lee Ellsworth, Prof. E. S. Lippitt, E.
Denman, H. Meacham, and others. Following will be found a tabulated list of the
presidents and secretaries of all the societies from the first organization to
date:
DATE. PRESIDENT. SECRETARY.
1859.......... W. P. Ewing.......... A. B. Boggs
1860.......... J. Q. Shirley........ I. G. Wickersham
1861.......... Dr. John Hendley..... W. H. Crowell
1862.......... Wm. McP. Hill........ Col. J. Walton
1863.......... Nathan Coombs........ T. L. Schell
1864.......... A. T. Grigsby........ Jos. Howland
1865.......... Disorganized......... Disorganized
1866.......... " ......... "
1867.......... J. R. Rose........... P. Cowen
1868.......... " " ........... " "
1869.......... " " ........... " "
1870.......... E. Denman............ J. Grover
1871.......... Lee Ellsworth........ " "
1872.......... E. Denman .......... E. S. Lippitt
1873.......... J. R. Rose .......... " "
1874.......... " " .......... " "
1875.......... H. Meacham .......... " "
1876.......... " " .......... " "
Since the reorganization of the society the fairs have been held every fall in
Petaluma. The citizens have come liberally to its relief whenever it was
necessary to do so. The society now is upon as good a footing as any in the
State, and does much for Sonoma, Marin and Mendocino counties, by affording the
opportunity to exhibit to hundreds who come from abroad, not only the fine
horses, cattle, sheep, and other live stock of the district, but also the
surprising products of our generous soil.
Following are the receipts of the society, and the donations by the citizens,
the city, and the State, for each year since its reorganization:
DATE. RECEIPTS.
1867. Receipts from fair.................. $7,328
1868. " " " ................... 5,763
1869. " " ".................... 5,984
" Donations by citizens............... 4,217
1870. Receipts from Fair.................. 6,341
1871. " " " ................... 5,800
1872. " " " ................... 5,841
" Donations from State................ 2,000
1873. Receipts from fair.................. 6,201
" Donations from State................ 2,000
1874. Receipts from fair.................. 5,293
" Donation by citizens................ 6,000
" City bonds.......................... 5,000
1875. Receipts from fair.................. 6,200
1876." " " ................... 6,049
_______
Total receipts........................... $80,017
MUTUAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION.
The Mutual Relief Association, of Petaluma, to which we have elsewhere referred,
deserves more extended notice as one of the most successful and useful
organizations in this county. To the efforts of G. R. Codding, the secretary,
the success of the society is mainly due. It accomplishes the object of life
insurance at the least possible cost, and with the greatest possible benefits.
Its members are distributed through Oregon, Idaho, Nevada and British Columbia.
The funds are loaned on real estate, and the management is honest, economical
and safe. A full list of officers and directors appears in an advertisement in
another part of this book.
EXPORTS OF PETALUMA.
Following is a carefully prepared estimate of the exports of Petaluma for a
year, which will give the reader an idea of the commercial importance of the
city:
Wool shipped, pounds ....................................... 125,000
Butter " " .........................................
3,500,000
Cheese " " ...........................................
750,000
Hay " tons ...........................................
9,000
Grain " " .............................................
3,000
Potatoes " sacks ........................................
200,000
Eggs " dozen..........................................
75,000
Poultry " " .............................................
6,000
Quail " " ............................................
12,000
Flour " barrels ........................................
7,000
Cattle " head............................................
1,500
Hogs " " ............................................
28,000
Sheep " " .............................................
7,000
Calves " " ............................................
12,000
Fruit " boxes .........................................
40,000
Paving stones......................................
2,000,000